KARACHI: The Sindh police’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed on Thursday to have arrested five suspected hit-men affiliated with the pro-Altaf Hussain Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) – London, who were allegedly involved in the murder of 19 people.

The suspects were identified as Rizwan alias Khan Sahb, Muhammad Kamran alias Munna, Kamran alias Mota, Fahim Lodhi and Adnan. All are said to be residents of District Korangi. Their victims include political rivals and five policemen.

Addressing a press conference at the office of the CTD DIG, SSP Munir Ahmed Shaikh told the media about the reported confessions of the suspects during initial interrogation. He said that the suspects admitted to killing 19 people since 2000. They allegedly killed workers of the rival Muhajir Qaumi Movement – Haqiqi, Awami National Party and of their own party on the orders of their handlers in the city as well as in South Africa.

He said that weapons used in numerous killing confessed to by the suspects were also recovered. Moreover, six cases under sections 353 (attacking law enforcers), 324 (attempted murder) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 and Section 23(i)a of the Sindh Arms Act, 2013 were lodged against the suspects at the CTD police station.

Rangers arrest 13 suspects

Meanwhile, the Rangers in a statement claimed that 13 people, including MQM-London activists, Lyari-based gangsters, dacoits, drug peddlers and extortionists were arrested in targeted raids across the city.

The statement read that three MQM activists – Danish alias Bodna, Muhammad Navid and Maqsood Alam – were arrested from Saddar and Surjani Town. Two Lyari gangsters, Ikram alias Akku and Asghar Ali alias Ashiq Alim were apprehended from Kalri and two dacoits, Muhammad Suhail and Muhammad Asghar were arrested from Saddar and Pirabad.